Enhanced dropwise condensation of low surface tension fluids

• Main Author: Tan, Jillesa Li Rong
• Other Authors: Ho Jin Yao
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: Nanyang Technological University 2023
• Subjects: Engineering::Mechanical engineering
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/10356/168023
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

This report investigates the dropwise condensation heat transfer performance of ethanol on additively manufactured aluminum alloy (AlSi10Mg), conventional aluminum (Al6061) and conventional copper surfaces treated with different methods to alter their surface energies. The aim is to determine the best surface treatment method to promote dropwise condensation of ethanol on additively manufactured surfaces by studying the condensation heat flux and determining the heat transfer coefficient. The experiments involved directing ethanol vapor onto the test surface and measuring the droplet distribution density to predict their heat transfer performance. The results showed that the treatment received on horizontally and vertically printed additively manufactured AlSi10Mg, producing micro/nanostructures of different morphology, had differing effects on the condensation heat transfer coefficient. The findings of this study demonstrate the potential for improving dropwise condensation of low surface tension fluids on additively manufactured surfaces and provide insight into the effects of different treatments on the condensation heat transfer coefficient. These findings may also be useful in designing and optimizing heat transfer systems for various industrial applications. The report provides a comprehensive analysis of the experimental procedure, data analysis and discussion of the results, which could benefit researchers and engineers working in the field of heat transfer.